Several local AAN papers have launched their own unique end-of-year community fundraising initiatives designed to catalyze giving by readers to worthy local non-profits. Last year, Willamette Week's Give! Campaign raised more than $900,000 for 79 local Portland area non-profits. Monterey County Weekly's Community Fund raised $543,000 for 73 nonprofits via its Local Economic Stimulus campaign. And the Colorado Springs Independent initial 2009 Give! campaign raised $198,000 for 29 local nonprofits. All of these papers are planning their 2010 end-of-year community campaigns. Come learn how your paper can launch similar campaigns, as well as what these papers did right, and wrong.

The Localization Movement, popularized with "Shop Local" programs in cities throughout the U. S. and Canada, is a perfect match for altweeklies. Moderator Jody Colley, East Bay Express, will find out what altweeklies are doing in their communities, showcase the success stories and present the challenges. Participants will have time to talk about the opportunities that have yet to be explored.